LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / November 24, 2000

DESTREHAN – Starting as the brainchild of two musically-inclined women, the Community Chorus of the River Parishes is drawing attention and praise as it begins its first holiday season.

The musical genres run from patriotic to inspirational and the choir has performed at several events in the past five months, with more to come.

Marj Savola of Destrehan, who was involved with the Sweet Adelines vocal group in New Orleans for many years, one day called her friend, Louise Broach of Luling, with the notion of starting a community choir.

“It was one of those things that got started and just snowballed,” Broach commented.

The idea was to draw together like-minded people of vocal talent into a performing group of 100 voices from St. Charles, St. John the Baptist andSt. James parishes. They would provide an outlet for their singing ability aswell as entertain and inspire others.

A tiny organization at first, meetings began in February. As more men andwomen joined, rehearsals began, and their first public performance was held July 4 at the West Bridge Park in Luling.

The exposure drew more people, and now the group is more than halfway to its membership goal.

“We had to do everything from scratch,” Broach said, including finding appropriate music and places to rehearse.

Other talented people joined the effort, with Lalie Montalto sharing accompanist duties with Broach and Deborah Corrao coming on as musical director.

The current president of the organization, Marlene Blevins, commented, “We have a wonderful musical director with Deborah!” Members come from all walks of life. Most sing in church or sang in highschool and college.

Tim Allen, a Hahnville High school teacher who sings bass, said he’s wanted to join such an effort for years and was delighted to see this organization come into being.

The Rev. Jim Blevins, pastor of Luling Church of Christ, smiled and said,”They just dragged me into it.”Debra McLaughlin of Destrehan, already involved in area theatre activities, called the chorus, “a really fun group of people.”Hahnville attorney Leon C. Vial III said he’s always enjoyed choral singing andindulging in his love of music.

Cindy Grosse of LaPlace said she heard about the organization and said it was exactly what she’s wanted to do for some time. She, like so manymembers, are also involved with their local church choirs. Members includethose from all three River Parishes.

Bob Hickman of Luling described himself as “a 25-year-old man in a 75-year- old’s body,” and said this “keeps me young.” Hickman also studied for a timeat Julliard School of Music.

All morning, prior to their performance at the Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival, the skies had been overcast and dreary. Almost immediately whenthe chorus began to sing a program of patriotic songs, the skies cleared and visitors enjoyed a flawless afternoon.

The chorus is for people age 25 and up, Broach said, and potential members must audition for a position. Rehearsals are held on an average of twice amonth, at St. Charles United Methodist Church in Destrehan and at FirstUnion Presbyterian Church in Luling.

Smaller groups are also available for performances, and their upcoming concerts include a supper-club show on Dec. 1 at Ormond Country Club.Dinner is at 6 p.m. and the music begins at 7 p.m.On Dec. 7, another performance is planned at the Destrehan Plantation MuleBarn, and a number of Christmas concerts are being scheduled, according to Broach.

“We’re always looking for new members,” Broach said, adding one long-range goal is to develop a community orchestra as well. Any interested people areurged to call her at 785-0813.

“I don’t like to listen to choirs,” Broach said with a laugh, “but I love being in them!”

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